From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
10,000-mile test report detailing issues with transmission groan, engine roughness, poor brakes, and a noisy rear axle.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 82\1\ scan0338 | |
| Date | 20th December 1933 | |
| Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from Mx.{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer} Mx{John H Maddocks - Chief Proving Officer}12/T20.12.33. 1.B.4. 10,000 miles. I understand you would like a report from me on my opinion of the above car on its return from 10,000 miles. I am sure you will appreciate that I only had it for a short run - I think I ran it about 20 miles in all. I was particularly interested in trying it for transmission rattles and over-run "groan" at 40/50 m.p.h. a point which is giving us some concern on production chassis. I thought the car was quite good for this particular feature. The engine was quite smooth up to 3500 r.p.m. but above that speed was inclined to be rough and "rattly". The brakes were poor - the car having just come off the wash. They improved with running, but right to the end of my run, shuddered violently when applied sharply. I do not think you will need my confirmation that the rear axle was noisy. This has already been reported on by GWH.{George W. Hancock - Head Chateauroux} [Signature] | ||